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Preparing for a Wildfire
Assessing wildfire risk: Identify high-risk areas and understand local wildfire threat levels
As wildland urban interface (WUI) areas continue to be developed, more people than ever are living in high-risk wildfire areas. Between 1990 and 2020, 14 million homes were built in WUI areas. Adding to the dangers are a warming climate and the accumulation of fuels, with dry, arid states like California, Nevada and Arizona being most susceptible to wildfires. But to be clear, no states are without risk. And if compounding issues continue to play out as predicted, the likelihood of wildfires across the U.S. could worsen, magnifying the need for preparation and planning.
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How to identify high-risk areas
Online tools are available to help you understand and identify high-risk wildfire areas. These resources include interactive maps and charts where you can assess risk to homes, businesses and other valuable resources, and even learn ways to minimize dangers:
· FEMA National Risk Index
· Wildfire Risk to Communities
· Drought.gov
· U.S. Geological Survey
· Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center
USFA
Safeguard your home: Close windows and doors, shut off gas supply and remove flammable items from around the house.
You might be surprised to learn there’s a lot you can do to help protect your home from a wildfire. Since fires essentially need sources they can burn through, you should take measures to limit your home’s ability to act as a fuel source. The Sierra Club offers these tips:
Fire-proof your roof
Ensure your roof is constructed from nonflammable materials like asphalt shingles, metal, slate or tile. If you have a wooden roof, treat it with fire retardant or install a rooftop sprinkler system. Clear leaves and pine needles that collect in gutters regularly, as they make for a dangerous ember landing bed.
Keep embers out
Cover any exterior vent openings with ⅛-inch hardware cloth and remove flammable items from around your house (e.g., curtains, shades, carpets). Close all windows and doors, including pet doors, and make sure they’re properly sealed. Embers often penetrate through rooftop openings, so replace missing shingles or tiles and caulk any cracks. If possible, make sure all windows and skylights are double-paned with tempered glass to better withstand high temperatures.
Secure the perimeter
Move firewood, materials for home projects, and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from the house. Replace organic mulch with gravel or stone, and regularly cut back and water plants. If you have a wooden fence, consider replacing it with a masonry or metal barrier. Clear debris from wooden decks and clean out any dead vegetation underneath. Most importantly, remember to shut off your home’s gas supply in the event of a wildfire. Keep a wrench handy for turning the gas meter off.
Create a defensible space around your property: Clear vegetation and reduce fuel sources.
Research around home destruction by wildfires indicate that embers and small flames are two of the primary sources of ignition. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are simple steps you can take to make your home safer from these wildfire elements:
Develop a family emergency plan: Establish evacuation routes and meeting points.
When the threat of wildfire looms, you want to be ready with an evacuation plan so that you, your family and your pets can escape to safety quickly. Consider these tips:
Assemble a disaster supply kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, medication and important documents.
As with any natural disaster or weather-related emergency, you’ll want to have an emergency supply kit packed and ready to go in the event of a wildfire. When assembling your kit, think of the needs of everyone evacuating with you, including pets, and plan for the possibility of being away from home for an extended period. Kit essentials will vary depending on the size and needs of your family, but items recommended for most disaster kits include:
Some of the essential items to pack in the event of a wildfire evacuation include:
Personal items:
Food & water:
Pet supplies:
Hygiene and first aid:
Equipment:
Receive emergency alerts and warnings: Sign up for local emergency notification systems.
When wildfire emergencies strike, public safety officials use some of the following systems to alert you:
FEMA app – Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) for up to five locations nationwide.
NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) – This nationwide network of radio services broadcasts hazard information 24/7 based on your physical location.
Emergency Alert System (EAS) – This national public warning system is commonly used by state and local authorities to deliver important information, including fire-weather emergencies. No sign-up is required.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) – This public safety system allows customers to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats in their area. No sign-up is required, but a compatible mobile device is needed.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.